Episodes

  • Early Bird I Thursday July 25th 2024

    Early Bird I Thursday July 25th 2024
    Jul 24 2024
    Fonterra to cut up to 100 jobs in Hamilton, Pest to Plate: Hawke’s Bay tackle feral deer with butchery classes, and AI-powered weed zapper impresses agriculture industry. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Fonterra to cut up to 100 jobs in Hamilton The country's largest dairy co-operative, Fonterra, is set to eliminate up to 100 jobs at its Hamilton headquarters as part of a cost-saving initiative. The move, which includes outsourcing work overseas, has raised concerns among employees and farmers alike. The cuts, described as "brutal" by affected staff, will primarily impact the finance and accounting team. Many long-serving employees are among those affected. According to anonymous sources, the jobs will be outsourced to Accenture, a global accounting firm, in India. Incoming Chief Financial Officer Andrew Murray stated that Fonterra has been reviewing its operating model to enhance returns for farmer shareholders. The changes include "co-sourcing" work with an existing partner in Bangalore and Manila. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions within the farming community. Matthew Zonderop, Waikato sharemilker and provincial dairy chair for Federated Farmers, expressed strong opposition to outsourcing jobs overseas, emphasising the importance of keeping money within New Zealand. John Stevenson, chair of the Fonterra co-operative council, acknowledged the difficult balance between making returns for farmers and valuing employees. He noted that farmers have challenged Fonterra to increase efficiency and deliver higher returns on invested capital. The proposed changes are part of what Fonterra calls the "future of finance" programme, which is expected to bring widespread changes across the company's financial operations globally. The current focus is on the Hamilton office, but employees suggest this is just the beginning of a larger restructuring effort. Fonterra has stated that they will inform employees about the changes first as they go through the consultation process. Final decisions on individual redundancies are expected to be made on August 12. AgResearch scientist pitches groundbreaking facial eczema treatment A young AgResearch scientist has gained international recognition for her work on a novel treatment for facial eczema, a disease that costs New Zealand's animal production sector $330 million annually. Dr Tanushree Gupta, the sole New Zealander to win an award in the Australasia-based AgriFutures growAG 2024 catalyst program, has developed an antifungal product targeting facial eczema-causing fungal spores. Facial eczema continues to affect many farms in the upper North Island and is spreading southward due to climate change. The disease is challenging to manage, with its presence heavily dependent on specific climatic conditions. Current treatments for facial eczema are either highly toxic chemical sprays that damage the soil environment or zinc dosing for livestock, which is itself a toxin requiring careful administration. Dr Gupta's innovative approach involves a naturally occurring, non-toxic, and sustainable solution. While details remain confidential, she confirms the treatment comes from a previously unstudied but naturally available source that is already recognized as safe and part of the ecosystem. Dr Gupta envisions the product being developed into a spray that can be applied directly to paddocks or through irrigation systems, moving away from treating animals in response to the fungi's presence. Dr Gupta's discovery stems from her curiosity about potential solutions in everyday environments, combined with her background in dairy hygiene and microbiology. Her work has included advanced diagnostics using CRISPR-based techniques to detect bacteria on farms and in food. The award has secured Dr Gupta a place to pitch her research to potential investors, bringing her closer to providing farmers with a commercial, viable solution to this long-standing agricultural challenge. Kiwifruit growers navigate rising costs amid record harvest New Zealand's kiwifruit industry is experiencing a mix of challenges and achievements, with growers reporting financial strain despite a record harvest. The sector produced more than 197 million trays this season, yet many orchardists are grappling with increasing costs and delayed returns. Rob Thode, a Pāpāmoa kiwifruit grower, highlighted the industry's cost inflation. He notes that labour rates have more than doubled in the last decade, rising from $16.50 to $35 an hour. Meanwhile, returns for Hayward green kiwifruit remain stagnant at around $8 per tray, the same as ten years ago. The payment structure adds to growers' financial challenges. Earnings are often distributed over extended periods, with some orchardists waiting up to 14 months for full payment. This delayed cash flow can create ...
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    9 mins
  • Early Bird I Wednesday July 24th 2024

    Early Bird I Wednesday July 24th 2024
    Jul 23 2024
    Agriculture leads significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions, millions at stake as New Zealand fights for infant formula labelling rights, and environmental stewardship and innovation take centre stage at arable awards. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Agriculture leads significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions New Zealand has achieved its largest quarterly reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions in 14 years, with the agriculture sector leading the charge. Statistics NZ reports that for the March 2024 quarter, seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas emissions from industries and households decreased by 2.7%. This marks the most significant quarterly decline since March 2010, excluding the unusual circumstances of the pandemic years. Stephen Oakley, environmental-economic accounts manager, attributes this impressive 541 kilotonne reduction mainly to lower emissions from agriculture, forestry, and fishing. This sector alone saw a decrease of 154 kilotonnes, or 1.4%, in the quarter. The agricultural sector's emissions have now fallen 8.1% from their March 2019 high. Moreover, it showed the largest annual decrease in the year to March, with emissions down 6% or 2,776 kilotonnes from their March 2014 yearly high. Manufacturing also contributed to the overall reduction, with emissions falling 88 kilotonnes or 4% in the March 2024 quarter. This marks the third consecutive quarter of decreased emissions for this sector. However, not all sectors saw reductions. The electricity, gas, water, and waste services industry recorded the largest increase in emissions, up 126 kilotonnes or 7.7%. This rise was attributed to increased natural gas use for electricity generation, following an 18% decrease in the previous quarter. Household emissions saw a slight increase of 0.6% or 12 kilotonnes, mainly due to higher heating and cooling emissions. Transport emissions from households remained relatively stable. Looking at the year ended March 2024, overall greenhouse gas emissions rose 0.5% or 396 kilotonnes. The main contributors to this annual increase were the transport, postal, and warehousing industry, as well as the electricity, gas, water, and waste services sectors. Millions at stake as New Zealand fights for infant formula labelling rights New Zealand's Minister of Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard, is heading to Australia for a crucial meeting tomorrow to protect our infant formula exports to Australia and potentially to China. The issue involves new rules that could limit how New Zealand producers display ingredient information on their packaging. These changes come from an Australian initiative to encourage more mothers to breastfeed. However, our local producers argue that caregivers who need formula should have complete access to product information. The French company Danone has cautioned that these changes might lead to job losses and reduced exports. On Monday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the economic stakes. He estimated that $300 million in Australian sales and up to $2 billion in other markets could be at risk. This regulatory alignment effort between Australia and New Zealand, which started in 2013, is nearly complete. If enacted, the new rules would take effect in five years. Minister Hoggard says that while most of the agreement is acceptable, two key areas remain contentious. These relate to what manufacturers can include on front-of-pack labelling about ingredients or protein content. Hoggard aims to negotiate a relaxation of these restrictions. If unsuccessful, New Zealand might need to create its own standard, which would increase costs for local manufacturers. The minister also raised concerns about how these changes could affect our exports to China. While Chinese standards are even stricter, they currently allow imports that meet Food Standards Australia and New Zealand regulations. Jonathan Chew, head of the Infant Nutrition Council warned that this could disadvantage New Zealand goods compared to those from the European Union, where labelling rules are less restrictive. As negotiations unfold, the outcome will have significant implications for our infant formula industry, affecting both domestic production and our position in international markets. Biosecurity teams head overseas to combat Bird Flu threat New Zealand is taking decisive action against the looming threat of deadly bird flu strains, with biosecurity teams embarking on crucial missions to Australia and the United Kingdom, aiming to gather vital information and strategies. This aggressive strain of bird flu has affected marine mammals worldwide and recently emerged in US cattle, even infecting a small number of farm workers. While New Zealand has remained free of these highly aggressive strains, the Ministry for Primary Industries is not taking any chances. Dr Mary ...
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    9 mins
  • Early Bird I Tuesday July 23rd 2024

    Early Bird I Tuesday July 23rd 2024
    Jul 22 2024
    Experts debate effectiveness of technology in meeting our climate goal, DairyNZ calls for experienced farmers to join governance team, and mixed results for Kiwi shearers in Wales. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Experts debate effectiveness of technology in meeting our climate goal The government's draft Emissions Reduction Plan has drawn varied responses from New Zealand's scientific community, particularly regarding its reliance on future technologies to meet climate goals. AgResearch chief scientist Dr Axel Heiser points to ongoing research in low-methane livestock genetics and overseas developments in feed additives as promising signs. However, Heiser cautions that no single technology will solve all issues, and a range of tools will be necessary. In contrast, Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims from Massey University voices scepticism about the plan's dependence on immature technologies. He warns that relying on potential future solutions is risky, noting that despite a decade of well-funded research, no major breakthroughs have emerged in reducing ruminant methane emissions. Professor Geoff Willmott from the University of Auckland emphasised that while technological progress is often seen as a 'magic bullet,' it requires significant investment and time to develop and deploy. The plan also leans heavily on afforestation as a carbon storage strategy. However, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton has previously cautioned against over-reliance on tree planting as a solution to emissions reduction. As the country strives to meet its international climate commitments, the effectiveness of the government's approach remains a topic of ongoing debate among scientists and policymakers. Arable Industry survey shows mixed results for maize grain and silage The latest Arable Industry Marketing Initiative survey reveals a positive season for New Zealand maize growers, with increased yields for both grain and silage crops. Data from 87 farms shows average maize grain yields at 11.6 tonnes per hectare and maize silage at 21.9 tonnes of dry matter per hectare. Maize grain production saw a significant 30% increase compared to 2023, with both harvest area and yield up by 14%. The total estimated tonnage reached 250,700 tonnes, including unharvested grain. However, as of June 1, only 68% of the crop had been harvested, lower than the 11-year average of 77%. While the majority of the maize grain crop has been sold, unsold stocks held by growers sits at 30,400 tonnes, higher than last year's 16,700 tonnes. This represents an unusually high 32% of harvestable hectares remaining unharvested, compared to the 11-year average of 23%. Maize silage also saw an increase, with total tonnage up 9%. This resulted from a 17% yield increase, despite a 6% reduction in harvest area. However, a significant portion, 481,700 tonnes of dry matter, remains unused or unsold, higher than in all of the previous ten seasons. Looking ahead, sowing intentions for the 2024-2025 season indicate a 27% decrease for maize grain and a 12% decrease for maize silage compared to last season. These figures suggest a cautious approach from growers, potentially in response to market conditions and unsold stocks. DairyNZ calls for experienced farmers to join governance team DairyNZ is calling for nominations to fill key governance roles, offering passionate and forward-thinking farmers a chance to influence the industry's direction. Two farmer-elected Board of Director positions and one Directors' Remuneration Committee member position are now open for applications. Current Board Chair Jim van der Poel, who is stepping down this year, emphasised the importance of diverse insights from farmer-elected directors with governance or leadership experience. He says that this is an exciting time to join DairyNZ as it implements a new strategy focused on meeting the evolving needs of farmers and the sector. Ideal candidates should possess a strong understanding of farm systems, research, policy, and advocacy. They should also demonstrate robust business and financial skills, good networks, and governance experience. The two Board vacancies arise from van der Poel's departure and Jacqueline Rowarth's retirement by rotation. Additionally, one position is available on the Directors' Remuneration Committee, which independently reviews and recommends director compensation annually. All farmers paying a levy on milksolids to DairyNZ are eligible to stand for these positions, with nominations requiring support from two DairyNZ levy payers. The deadline for nominations is 12 noon on Friday, August 9. If an election is necessary, farmer voting will occur during September and October. The successful candidates will be announced at DairyNZ's annual general meeting on October 22 in Canterbury. Farm2Future ...
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    8 mins
  • Early Bird I Monday July 22nd 2024

    Early Bird I Monday July 22nd 2024
    Jul 21 2024
    Government launches review of migrant worker visa scheme for dairy sector, scientists aim to unlock pasture quality data from space, and low dam levels raise concern for Tasman food producers. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Government launches review of migrant worker visa scheme for dairy sector The government has initiated a review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, aiming to ensure fair treatment for compliant dairy farmer employers. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced temporary adjustments to the job-check criteria for dairy farm workers ahead of the calving season. These changes come in response to recent challenges, including high net migration, reduced demand for low-skilled workers, and increased migrant exploitation. The minister acknowledged that urgent earlier adjustments didn't account for regional variations, leading to difficulties for dairy farmers in recruiting or renewing visas for staff. The review will examine removing the median wage threshold and consider streamlining assessments. It will also evaluate the potential for region and sector-specific settings. Stanford emphasised the need to balance the scheme so that law-abiding employers can hire migrant workers when genuine shortages exist. For now, dairy cattle farm employers only need to advertise roles for 14 days instead of 21. This change applies to applications submitted before mid-July. Additionally, Immigration New Zealand is prioritising the processing of dairy worker applications until August 1st. These temporary measures aim to shorten the recruitment process, allowing employers to hire and train workers in time for the critical calving season. The government is also collaborating with Federated Farmers to create a user-friendly guide for primary sector employers navigating the visa process. Stanford highlighted the delicate balance needed in migrant worker regulations. While acknowledging the importance of allowing workers to gain necessary skills, she noted the ethical concerns of allowing temporary workers to become too settled without a clear path to residency. The minister and officials are engaging with primary sector stakeholders to address concerns and refine the visa scheme to create a more effective and fair system for both employers and migrant workers in the dairy industry. Scientists aim to unlock pasture quality data from space New Zealand scientists are pushing the boundaries of satellite technology to help farmers make more informed decisions about their pastures. While satellite imaging currently allows farmers to assess pasture quantity, a new study aims to determine if it can also reveal nutritional quality. Lincoln Agritech and AgResearch have joined forces on this project, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Space Agency. The six-month feasibility study seeks to develop methods for analysing pasture nutrition from space. Armin Werner, group manager at Lincoln Agritech, explains that current satellite technology can only measure pasture volume, not its nutritional value. He notes that greener pastures don't necessarily mean higher quality feed for livestock. The research team plans to combine existing plant models with satellite data to identify indicators of nutritional value. This approach differs from standard reflectance measurements, focusing instead on the internal processes of plants. If successful, this technology could provide farmers with a practical tool to assess pasture quality across their entire farm without the need for laboratory testing. However, Werner cautions that the project is still in its early stages and will require further research to develop into a usable farm management tool. This initiative is part of a broader program involving collaboration between New Zealand researchers and NASA. The Space Agency has funded twelve projects in total, each receiving up to $75,000 for a six-month study period. While this particular project focuses on agriculture, other funded studies explore diverse areas such as forest mapping, atmospheric research, and climate risk assessment. Spring Sheep gains retail access for infant formula in China Spring Sheep Milk Company has achieved a significant milestone, receiving approval to sell its Chinese-label infant formula range in retail outlets across China. This authorization, granted by China's market regulator, allows the company to distribute its sheep milk-based infant formula, follow-on formula, and toddler milk drink in the world's largest infant formula market. Nick Hammond, Chief Executive of Spring Sheep, describes this development as a game-changer for both the company and the sheep milking industry. The approval enables Spring Sheep to move beyond online sales and into high-end specialist baby product stores, targeting premium consumers ...
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    9 mins
  • Early Bird I Friday July 19th 2024

    Early Bird I Friday July 19th 2024
    Jul 18 2024
    Government’s methane review panel begins critical work on agricultural emissions, Synlait faces fresh uncertainty as it withdraws 2024 earnings guidance, and Zespri trials expert crowned 2024 Bay of Plenty Young Grower. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Government’s methane review panel begins critical work on agricultural emissions The secretariat of the Government's new methane science review panel has emphasised the importance of agricultural industry support in developing long-term solutions for agricultural emissions. Chaired by Nicola Shadbolt, a farmer, academic, and former Fonterra director, the panel has begun its work, which Shadbolt describes as "critical and long overdue." The secretariat acknowledges concerns within the farming sector about the fairness and appropriateness of the current 2050 methane target, set in 2019. These concerns include potential higher production costs and the risk of production moving offshore. The panel will review the latest methane science to provide an independent, up-to-date evidence base about methane's warming impact. This work will complement the Climate Change Commission's review of 2030 targets and inform the Government's response to the Commission's advice. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay states that the Government is committed to meeting climate change obligations without compromising New Zealand farms. He emphasises the need for fair and sustainable targets, noting that New Zealand farmers are among the world's most carbon-efficient food producers. The five-member advisory panel includes experts from various universities and research institutions, bringing extensive domestic and international experience on climate change and biogenic methane. Current legislated methane targets require a 10% reduction by 2030 and a 24 to 47% reduction by 2050, targets that have been opposed by farmer groups like Federated Farmers since their inception. And the CountryWide Podcast looks deeper into this issue. Episode 28: How to make or break our future with emissions, find it where you get your podcasts. Synlait faces fresh uncertainty as it withdraws 2024 earnings guidance Canterbury-based Synlait is grappling with new challenges, just days after shareholders approved a crucial loan to keep the company afloat. The company has now withdrawn its earnings guidance for the 2024 financial year, citing unexpected complications. Synlait attributes this decision to unforeseen timing differences between July and August for manufacturing and shipping, which have impacted its 2024 performance. Additionally, the company is facing higher costs related to its ongoing strategic review and deleveraging plan, due to extended timelines for these processes. As a result, Synlait now expects its final underlying earnings to fall below the previously announced guidance, which was already at the lower end of a $45 million to $60 million range. This earlier guidance had excluded a non-cash adjustment of $17 million. This development comes on the heels of a significant shareholder vote last week, where approval was granted for a $130 million loan from major shareholder Bright Dairy. This loan was critical in meeting a deadline to repay Synlait's debt, averting the possibility of voluntary administration. Despite these setbacks, Synlait's board remains committed to resetting the company's balance sheet. Their goal is to return the company to a position where it can capitalise on growth potential in its core advanced nutrition and foodservice businesses. The first step in this process was completed Monday, with a $130 million payment made to Synlait's banks. Synlait has assured stakeholders that it is still on track to meet minimum underlying earnings required for bank covenant purposes. However, this latest development underscores the ongoing challenges facing the company as it attempts to navigate financial difficulties and restructure its operations. Government proposes cap on pine forests in Emissions Trading Scheme The Coalition Government has unveiled plans to limit the amount of pine trees allowed in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), aiming to protect farmland from excessive conversion to carbon forests. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced this policy as part of a comprehensive draft Emissions Reduction Plan. The plan outlines a strategy to achieve the second emissions budget through a combination of gross emission reductions and net offsets, including forestry. However, the government recognizes the need to manage unintended consequences of the current system. Planting permanent pine forests on inexpensive rural land has been a cost-effective method for reducing carbon emissions in New Zealand, often at a quarter of the cost of other reduction methods available to businesses. This has led to a significant increase in ...
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    9 mins
  • Early Bird I Thursday July 18th 2024

    Early Bird I Thursday July 18th 2024
    Jul 17 2024
    Milk powder drops at latest Global Dairy trade auction as overall prices edge up, mixed reactions from sheep and beef sector on new climate proposals, and outgoing AgResearch chair celebrated for contributions to primary industries. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Milk powder drops at latest Global Dairy trade auction as overall prices edge up The latest Global Dairy Trade auction has delivered a modest increase in overall prices, defying expectations of another decline. The GDT price index rose 0.4%, following a significant 6.9% drop at the previous auction. However, whole milk powder, which heavily influences Fonterra's farmgate milk price, fell 1.6% to US$3,142 per metric tonne. This marks the third consecutive auction where whole milk powder prices have decreased. Skim milk powder, another key product, also saw a decline of 1.1%, Mozzarella and lactose prices experienced slight decreases as well. On a more positive note, cheddar prices surged 6.2%, while anhydrous milk fat increased by 4%, butter prices also saw a modest gain of 0.8%. This mixed result comes at a time when New Zealand dairy farmers are closely watching market trends. While the overall price index has shown resilience, the continued decline in whole milk powder prices may raise concerns about future farmgate returns. Fonterra's current forecast farmgate price range remains between $7.25 and $8.75 per kilogram of milk solids, with a midpoint of $8. As the dairy season progresses, farmers and industry analysts will be keenly observing upcoming auctions for indications of longer-term price trends and their potential impact on New Zealand's crucial dairy sector. Mixed reactions from sheep and beef sector on new climate proposals Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has expressed both support and concern in response to the Government's second emissions reduction plan consultation documents. Chair Kate Acland acknowledged that while the organisation is still analysing the materials, they plan to collaborate with farmers in the coming weeks to formulate a comprehensive response. A major concern for B+LNZ is the repeated mention of implementing a definite price on agricultural emissions by 2030. Acland argues that this measure is unnecessary for the sheep and beef sector, given the significant emissions reductions already achieved through afforestation in recent years. On a positive note, B+LNZ welcomes the government's intention to limit whole-farm conversions to forestry for carbon credits. The organisation has long been concerned about the scale and pace of such conversions, and supports the integration of trees within farms as a method to meet climate objectives. Acland emphasises that even with potential restrictions on afforestation, land-use change will continue. This ongoing shift, she argues, further undermines the need for pricing agricultural emissions. Instead, B+LNZ advocates for exploring alternative methods to achieve emissions reductions, suggesting New Zealand look to successful strategies from other countries, particularly those incentivizing technology use. The consultation documents' focus on mitigation technologies and increased recognition of on-farm sequestration is viewed favourably by B+LNZ. However, Acland notes that considerable detail still needs to be worked through with farmers. New national voice for catchment groups emerges Catchment groups across New Zealand now have a unified voice with the formation of the Aotearoa New Zealand Catchment Collective (ANZCC). This national organisation has recently appointed its first nine-member committee, representing diverse geographical areas and catchment realities. The ANZCC aims to advocate for ongoing, effective support of farmer- and community-led initiatives that have proven successful in addressing social and environmental issues in rural areas. The collective represents over 190 catchment groups nationwide and has gained support from the Ministry for Primary Industries. Jeff Grant, chair of the interim working group that established the ANZCC, emphasised the importance of this development, stating catchment groups need their own voice, and the new committee has the breadth of experience to advocate for collective catchment action. The committee includes members from various regions, such as Southland, Otago, Waikato, and Hawke's Bay. Among them is Rick Burke, whose catchment group, Project Parore, was recently named 2024 Freshwater Champion at the National Freshwater Champions Award ceremony. The ANZCC's primary focus is ensuring that catchment groups have the necessary resources, support, and capability to make a positive impact. These community-led groups have a proven track record of addressing local issues with innovative solutions, connecting experts, regional councils, landowners, and urban residents. This ...
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    9 mins
  • Early Bird I Wednesday July 17th 2024

    Early Bird I Wednesday July 17th 2024
    Jul 16 2024
    Government unveils draft emissions reduction plan for public consultation, New Zealand dairy sector unites to boost genetic gain, and Rural Women New Zealand call for safer country roads. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Government unveils draft emissions reduction plan for public consultation Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has announced the release of the government's draft Emissions Reduction Plan for public consultation. The plan outlines how New Zealand aims to stay within its first two emissions budgets while continuing economic growth. Minister Watts emphasised that effective climate change policies can allow the country to meet its environmental commitments without sacrificing economic development. The draft plan centres around five core pillars of the government's recently released climate strategy. Key policies include doubling renewable energy through reduced consenting burdens, targeting 10,000 public EV chargers by 2030, and lowering agricultural emissions by equipping farmers with emission-reducing tools. Additional measures involve investing in resource recovery and exploring carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies. The consultation also covers potential changes to the NZ Emission Trading Scheme and modifications to actions from the first Emissions Reduction Plan. Watts noted that while projections show New Zealand remains on track to meet its first Emissions Budget, the government is seeking public feedback on the impact of its new approach. The final Emissions Reduction Plan for 2026-2030 will be completed by year-end, following consideration of public input and advice from the Climate Change Commission. New Zealand dairy sector unites to boost genetic gain New Zealand's dairy industry is rallying behind a new report aimed at accelerating genetic improvements in the national herd. The Independent Working Group's final report, endorsed by leading genetic companies, outlines recommendations to enhance the rate of genetic gain across the country's dairy cattle. DairyNZ, LIC, and CRV have all committed to considering the report's suggestions, recognizing the critical role of genetic advancement in the industry's future. LIC chair Corrigan Sowman emphasised the importance of genetic gain for farmers' success, while CRV managing director James Smallwood welcomed the report's focus on international models for workable solutions. The report identifies reasons why New Zealand has lagged behind international competitors in this area. It also highlights how the country can quickly catch up through key actions, promising significant benefits to dairy farmers. These include efficiency and productivity gains through more resilient, profitable, and manageable animals. DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel described the report as groundbreaking, noting its comprehensive approach to addressing sector challenges. He stressed that achieving world-leading genetic gain will require substantial contributions from all industry players. Key recommendations include strengthening the National Breeding Objective to drive genetic improvement. This involves enhancing data collection from commercial dairy herds and encouraging wider use of genomic technologies aligned with national breeding goals. As the sector moves forward with these recommendations, farmers can anticipate positive impacts on their operations, including easier management and increased profitability. For more check out the latest Dairy Exporter for the full special report on genetic modification as well as a special episode on this week's Dairy Exporter podcast. Research reveals mixed future for agriculture amid protein innovations New research funded by the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge suggests New Zealand's dairy sector may face greater challenges from emerging protein technologies than the meat industry. However, dairy companies argue the study oversimplifies their products' value and substitutability. The Protein Future Scenarios project, a collaboration involving several universities and research groups, examined the economic and environmental implications of three alternative protein technologies through to 2050. Jon Manhire from AgriBusiness, the research leader, identified precision fermentation as potentially the most disruptive technology. This method uses yeast in fermentation to replicate dairy proteins, creating ingredients for various dairy products. The study also looked at plant-based meat substitutes and cellular cultivation. Manhire says that plant-based proteins may have reached a plateau, while cellular cultivation remains in early development stages. Four scenarios were modelled, considering different rates of technology adoption and changing consumer demands. The research suggests that until about 2035, increased global protein demand might ...
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    9 mins
  • Early Bird I Tuesday July 16th 2024

    Early Bird I Tuesday July 16th 2024
    Jul 15 2024
    Leading soil expert calls for shake-up in our fertiliser industry, EPA approves new weapon against invasive Chilean Needle Grass, and new campaign tackles rising Leptospirosis cases in rural New Zealand. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Leading soil expert calls for shake-up in our fertiliser industry Renowned soil fertility expert Dr Gordon Rajendram is calling for urgent changes in New Zealand's fertiliser industry. He argues that a lack of competition has led to high prices, limited innovation, and outdated products. Dr Rajendram points out that the market is dominated by a few key players, resulting in restricted choices and consistently high costs for farmers. He notes that many companies are still selling products unchanged since the 1950s. Current fertiliser prices remain above pre-COVID levels, with super phosphate at around $425 per tonne and urea at $795 per tonne. These high costs are pushing farmers to seek alternatives and question the environmental impact of traditional fertilisers. Dr Rajendram draws a comparison with the dairy industry, where competition has driven advancements in product quality and efficiency. He argues that the fertiliser sector could benefit from a similar approach. The soil specialist emphasises the urgent need for industry transformation to avoid becoming obsolete. He believes that increased competition would lead to better products, fairer prices, and ultimately strengthen New Zealand's vital agricultural sector. As farmers grapple with economic and environmental challenges, Dr Rajendram's call for innovation in the fertiliser industry underscores the need for sustainable and cost-effective solutions in New Zealand agriculture. EPA approves new weapon against invasive Chilean Needle Grass The Environmental Protection Authority has given the green light to release a rust fungus as a biocontrol agent against Chilean needle grass, an aggressive weed threatening our agricultural sector. This invasive plant, first identified in the 1920s, poses significant risks to livestock welfare and farm productivity. Its seeds can cause severe harm to animals, including blindness, while dense growth reduces pasture quality and grazing areas. Dr. Chris Hill from the EPA explains that the approved fungus, Uromyces pencanus, specifically targets Chilean needle grass. It's expected to slow the weed's spread by attacking its foliage and reducing growth and seed production. The decision follows a thorough evaluation process, including public consultation and engagement with mana whenua. Testing indicates minimal risk to native plants, animals, or human health. Current management methods for Chilean needle grass, such as destocking or herbicide use, are often challenging and expensive for farmers. If left unchecked, the weed could potentially cost the sector up to $1.16 billion in lost production. The grass is well-established in regions including Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Auckland, and Canterbury. This new biocontrol approach offers hope for more effective and sustainable management of the weed. This approval aligns with recent EPA decisions allowing biocontrol agents for other invasive plants, reflecting a growing trend towards ecological solutions in pest management. As this innovative control method rolls out, it represents a significant step in protecting New Zealand's agricultural lands and livestock from this costly and harmful invasive species. New campaign tackles rising Leptospirosis cases in rural New Zealand. Rural Women New Zealand has partnered with Massey University to raise awareness and funds for combating leptospirosis, a serious health concern in rural areas. This initiative comes as cases of the disease are increasing, particularly in flood-affected regions. RWNZ National President Gill Naylor says that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of leptospirosis among countries with temperate climates. The organisation has committed to making this their national project until June 2025, mobilising members across the country. Professor Jackie Benschop from Massey University reports that last year saw 170 notified cases, predominantly in rural areas. However, she warns this number likely underrepresents the true scale of the problem, as many cases go undiagnosed due to similarities with other illnesses like COVID-19 or flu. Benschop emphasises the importance of prevention through good farm management practices. These include vaccinating livestock, maintaining hygiene, wearing protective equipment, controlling effluent and waterways, and educating staff and visitors about the risks. The campaign also stresses the need for early medical intervention. Rural residents feeling unwell are urged to seek help promptly, mentioning leptospirosis as a possible cause to their doctor and requesting testing. Funds raised through this ...
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    8 mins